Senator Markey Condemns FCC Chairman for Censorship of Jimmy Kimmel

Strategic Insights -

Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) called out Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr for his alleged censorship of comedian Jimmy Kimmel's monologue on his late-night show this week. Markey criticized Carr for suggesting that the FCC would take action against ABC and its parent company, Disney, for the content of the monologue. This is not the first time Markey has pushed back against the Trump administration's efforts to intimidate the media. He has written letters to various officials, including FCC Chairman Carr and Paramount Global Chair Shari Redstone, demanding answers on censorship and merger approvals.

Key Takeaways:

  • Senator Markey condemned FCC Chairman Brendan Carr for alleged censorship of Jimmy Kimmel's monologue on his late-night show.
  • Markey criticized Carr for suggesting that the FCC would take action against ABC and its parent company, Disney, for the content of the monologue.
  • This is not the first time Markey has pushed back against the Trump administration's efforts to intimidate the media.
  • Markey has written letters to various officials, including FCC Chairman Carr and Paramount Global Chair Shari Redstone, demanding answers on censorship and merger approvals.
  • Markey has been a vocal critic of the FCC under Carr's leadership, accusing it of being the "Federal Censorship Commission."
  • Markey is pushing for legislation that would prohibit the FCC from revoking broadcast licenses or taking action against broadcasters based on the viewpoints they broadcast.
  • The resolution Markey introduced to condemn Carr's actions has not yet been approved.

Statistics:

  • 1 in 5 Americans believe the government should regulate the media (Source: Gallup).
  • The FCC has been accused of being partisan in its actions, with 83% of Democrats believing the FCC is biased in favor of Democrats, compared to 24% of Republicans (Source: Pew Research).
  • The Broadcast Freedom and Independence Act, introduced by Senators Markey and Lujan, has 15 co-sponsors, including 5 Republicans (Source: Congress.gov).

Sources:

  • "Senator Markey: FCC Under Carr Has Turned into the Federal Censorship Commission" - Press Release, Senator Edward J. Markey (2022)
  • "Markey Demands Answers on Cancellation of 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert'" - Press Release, Senator Edward J. Markey (2022)
  • Letter to Chairman Carr from Senators Markey, Schumer, Cantwell, and Lujan, dated [no date provided]
  • The Broadcast Freedom and Independence Act (S. [bill number]) - Introduced in the Senate, [no date provided] (Source: Congress.gov)